India proposes forcing smartphone makers to share source code in security overhaul

India’s proposal to require smartphone makers to share source code with the government and make several software changes as part of a raft of security measures has prompted behind-the-scenes opposition from giants like Apple and Samsung.The tech companies have countered that the package of 83 security standards, which would also include a requirement to alert the government to major software updates, lacks any global precedent and risks revealing proprietary details, according to four people familiar with the discussions and a Reuters review of confidential government and industry documents.The plan is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to boost security of user data as online fraud and data breaches increase in the world’s second-largest smartphone market, with nearly 750 million phones.IT Secretary S.Krishnan told Reuters that “any legitimate concerns of the industry will be addressed with an open mind,” adding it was “premature to read more into it.” A ministry spokesperson said it could not comment further due to ongoing consultation with tech companies on the proposals.Apple, South Korea’s Samsung, Google, China’s Xiaomi, and MAIT, the Indian industry group that represents the firms, did not respond to requests for comment.Indian government requirements have irked technology firms before.

Last month, it revoked an order mandating a state-run cyber safety app on phones amid concerns over surveillance.But the government brushed aside lobbying last year and required rigorous testing for security cameras over fears of Chinese spying.Xiaomi and Samsung — whose phones use Google’s Android operating system — hold 19% and 15%, respectively, of India’s market share and Apple 5%, Counterpoint Research estimates.Among the most sensitive requirements in the new Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirements is access to source code — the underlying programming instructions that make phones work.

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